A Pasco County deputy and two other drivers narrowly escaped serious injury after a crash during a traffic stop Friday night on State Road 54 in Odessa, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The incident occurred just before 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of SR 54 and Ballantrae Boulevard when a Jeep Compass struck the rear of a patrol vehicle that was partially parked in the inside lane with emergency lights activated. The collision pushed the patrol car into the median where it traveled over speed limit and road work signs before coming to rest, while also colliding with an Audi A5 that had been stopped in front of the patrol vehicle. Despite significant damage to two vehicles and destruction of two road signs, the deputy was evaluated by medical personnel and released without reported injuries. The extent of any injuries sustained by the Jeep driver or the Audi driver has not been released as investigators continue their work. Florida Highway Patrol investigators stated that neither speed nor impairment is believed to have been a factor in this serious collision.
Pasco Deputy Escapes Injury After Crash During Traffic Stop
